Sound Devices MixPre-6 Review

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Sound Devices has disrupted the sound recording game for enthusiast and semi-pro filmmakers with their new MixPre-3 and MixPre-6 recorders. I pre-ordered the MixPre-6 and have been working with it for about 5 weeks now. This is my in-depth review after having used it on several jobs and projects.
The MixPre-6 or MixPre-3 are also potentially a very good fit for mobile musicians, podcasters, RU-vid creators and videographers. Simple workflow if you want that, But many of the advanced features if you prefer that as well.
Supported Cameras (for HDMI timecode and start/stop triggering): www.sounddevices.com/products...
Powering Options: www.sounddevices.com/tech-not...
Approved Media Cards: www.sounddevices.com/support/...
Links to Gear Discussed and Used to Record This Session:
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Sound Devices MixPre Series Recorders (II Series)
B&H, Sweetwater: geni.us/O8e0
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Sound Devices MixPre-3
DVeStore: bit.ly/2s2DZDQ
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Anker USB Power Bank with USB-C Output (recommended)
Amazon: geni.us/LarAnp
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Sound Devices 633 Pro-level Audio Recorder
DVeStore: bit.ly/2tEHGRa
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DPA 4017B Shotgun Microphone
B&H: bhpho.to/2mb6pr6
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Sound devices 8 AA Battery Sled
B&H: bhpho.to/2sopLgl
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Sound Devices NP-F Battery Sled (to use Sony L-mount batteries)
B&H: bhpho.to/2tH3jDi
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Panasonic GH5 Camera
Amazon: geni.us/aklab
B&H: bhpho.to/2oIdG7o
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Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 OIS Lens
Amazon: geni.us/HhNtFK
B&H: bhpho.to/2qLWz1Q
----------------------------------
Copyright 2017 by Curtis Judd
Ethics statement: Some of the links above are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, or other affiliate links.

Опубликовано:

5 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 458

@chrisdooks5903 6 лет назад

Thanks for this excellent review - i'd say your reviews are the best in their class on RU-vid.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks Chris!

@nicorobinorsomething 7 лет назад

Your video on the Saramonic Smartrig+ saved my neck on recording audio on the go! Absolutely love this channel.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks!

@Miniac 7 лет назад

Excellent video. Thank you for a comprehensive look at the feature set of the Mix Pre-6. I'll be picking up a mix pre-3 to pair with my gh4. It will be a welcomed upgrade from my DR-40 which is causing me all kinds of issues right now.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

That should be a nice step up from the DR-40!

@GaryStockton 7 лет назад

Just got my Mix-Pre-6 and it's a spectacular piece of kit. Bought it based on your review Curtis.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Gary Stockton glad you're happy with it. It's a lot of value in a very small package.

@AmigocristoteAma 5 лет назад

Gary Stockton I can use this for sling studio right sir?

@talktalk4503 Год назад

I finally decided on mixpre3 II, can't wait to use it 🎉 after days of pondering and research. Many thanks to you and your videos! U rock

@curtisjudd Год назад

I hope it works well for you. Happy recording!

@midamericaauctions 6 лет назад

Thanks so much. You do amazing reviews and I learn a ton every time I watch!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks Joe!

@paulfairchild8942 5 лет назад

Thanks for this, very helpful. I ended up ordering one after watching all your recorder reviews.

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Good luck, I hope it works well for you!

@voodoohumb 7 лет назад

Thank you for this review and all your other great videos! This helps a lot!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

👍

@carlosq00 7 лет назад

Another great information filled review. Thank you!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Carlos Quintero thanks Carlos!

@petemcdonald8894 6 лет назад

Curtis, your presentations are A class.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks Pete!

@ed6164 7 лет назад

Another great (and very in depth) review - thanks!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks Edward!

@TomasVillegas 7 лет назад

This is a really interesting product, I've been eyeing the 3 pretty closely. Great review!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks Tomas! It'd be a nice addition to your VideoDevices Pix-E recorder. :)

@HoratioBannister 7 лет назад

Bravo, thanks for another informative video. I love the mixpre6 and use it daily. I have the same experience with firmware 1.11, in that a sudden power loss does not corrupt the files. Good stuff.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

You're welcome and thanks for confirming!

@beeamadeusfox 6 лет назад

Really useful video Curtis, many thanks. I never quite have the time to Fire up my studio gear but still need to indulge some songwriting when the moment takes me. This should de-clutter the process and help me get the ideas down quickly but still allow post tinkering in my DAW. Sound quality of the device is really good as was your analysis!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks Bernard. If your main use case is recording music, you might have a look at the MixPre M series which are very similar in terms of hardware but have a different software interface that allows overdubbing and other such features for music recording. Here was an interview from NAB earlier this year where Paul from Sound Devices talks about the 10T (they also have 3 and 6 input versions as well): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5DCoYBsdglI.html

@beeamadeusfox 5 лет назад

Superb appraisal Judd- really help me make my mind up!

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Thanks Bernard.

@christopherjohntaylor7554 7 лет назад

Another great video Curtis, thank you!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks Christopher!

@NABphoto 7 лет назад

This was really informative! Thanks a lot for making this video.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Nathan Bailey you're welcome and thanks for the feedback!

@NarekAvetisyan 7 лет назад

Great review Curtis!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Narek Avetisyan thanks Narek!

@Firewerkz 7 лет назад

Excellent job, thanks! Planning to get the mix 3 as a backup for the 633!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Firewerkz Films good choice, I hope you like it!

@KarolWalkowski 6 лет назад

Based on your video Curtis, I have just made up my mind and ordered MP6. I mean... It's already paid for and I am eagerly awaiting DHL courier :) I thought about Mixpre-3 and almost bought it, but looks like having combo xlr/trs, higher frequency recording (I do a lot of nature and soundscapes) and few more tracks, will make it a great work companion. I can actually hook it up with MixPre-d to have 2 more limiters. I hope to progress to 633 type of recorder soon, but even then mp6 will be a great backup. Keep up a good work!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Congratulations Karol! I hope it works well for you!

@troycorliss5701 6 лет назад

Delicious overview of the SD MixPre-6/3! and I appreciate the (initial) comparison with the Zoom F Series. I was completely sold on the Zoom F4 (which your reviews helped greatly as well), but now thinking that the SD MixPre-3 carries a better feature set for remote field sound recordings, i.e. backpacking/ climbing/ skiing trips in the back county. The analog pre-amps are a huge bonus, as is the small size/weight and the ability to power + interface with USB C simplify the accessory gear that may be needed on trips where every ounce counts. The Zoom F units carry some really nice added features, however, the tiny little SD MixPre-3, paired with a couple small mics. and DSLR will make for a VERY light, portable and powerful recording system.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks Troy! On backpacking trips, I would definitely prefer to carry a MixPre-3 over the Zoom F4.

@Glen.Danielsen 2 года назад

My gosh, Troy, your comment makes me want to go over to Denny’s!

@RKRK-ci2vv 7 лет назад

Fantastic review Cutis Sir.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks rk

@CZsWorld 7 лет назад

By the way, I can't wait for the showdown with the Zoom F series.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Same here!

@SoundOfYourDestiny 7 лет назад

The Zoom F4 seems to have better physical construction, especially in terms of jacks. Trying to use a USB port for external power is a deal-breaker. It's flimsy and prone to disconnection. On the Tascam DR-70D, this renders external power useless because any disruption of the USB connection will stop your recording (even with batteries in the unit). The F4 has a nice locking power connector and comes with an adapter for standard DC power plugs. The F4 also has balanced XLR outputs and a 1/4" headphone jack that can take more strain than a 1/8" jack. And finally the F4 has SDI connectors for timecode (which it can generate), which is important for more-professional cameras that don't even have HDMI.

@NathanYoungman 6 лет назад

Curtis Judd The Zoom F4 and MixPre-3 are a similar price here in Canada. Curious how those two compare, as well as compared to on camera solutions like the Panasonic DMW-XLR1.

@rodrigoperez258 7 лет назад

Great Quality review!!!!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks Jorge!

@mrshaheedmalik 7 лет назад

Great video as always.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks Shaheed.

@clairstylerstudios 6 лет назад

Great review, very informative! :)

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks!

@ajblong 7 лет назад

Very happy with my MixPre-3. My only beef I haven't seen mentioned elsewhere is that playback is a bit of a chore. There is no option to play files consecutively, so you have to keep going into the menu and selecting the next file and not forgetting the file number and choosing the wrong one. For me this means deleting out the bad files has to wait until I'm on a pc, while on my old recorder I'd just run though all the files at the end of the session.

@XanderEwald 5 лет назад

Thanks for the review! I will order one.

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

You're welcome and happy recording!

@EricLefebvrePhotography 7 лет назад

WOW! This thing is amazing. I know what I'm getting when I upgrade from my Tascam DR-40 or add to my audio kit!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

I think you'll find this a nice step up!

@RallenMan 7 лет назад

Thorough review, nicely done as always. It amazes me how when watching your videos I will think of something I wish you would touch on and BAM you cover it. Nothing much gets by you. Here's one for you, you did not mention using a USB-C battery pack. That seems like the best way to go right now. Would be nice to know how long you can run all four XLR mic inputs on one of those packs. Also, I saw yesterday that a Dutch company is making a modified SD 4 AA battery sled with a Hirose 14 volt power 4 pin connector on the sled itself, not on an outboard box attached to it. 110 Euros, hopefully that unit will make its way to the USA soon. Even better if SD made one!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+RallenMan thanks Allen. Good point on the USB-C power bank. I included a link to one in the description after forgetting to mention it. :) interesting news on that alternative sled!

@qallaf313 7 лет назад

As always ...the audio guru of youtube 👍🏻

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks 🙌

@CZsWorld 7 лет назад

Do you keep your old reviews up if they fix stuff in the firmware?

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Yes, but I add annotations or comments pinned at the top with the corrections.

@CZsWorld 7 лет назад

RIP: Annotations.

@curtmega 7 лет назад

I recently picked up the Zoom H6 along with the Fethead pre-amp and have found it to really be a fantastic all in one solution for film field recording, podcasting, and even audio interfacing. However, I still have a return window and have definitely been eyeing the MixPre3 or 6. For run and gun situations and also having a device that can service podcasting and voice over production, would you recommend this as a worthwhile step up from the H6 or, for the price point, stick with the H6? Are the pre-amps significantly better? Thanks for all the great work you do!

@chungdha 3 года назад

The MixPre6 NPF mount have issues if you bump it slightly whole device turns off. USB C and powerbank seem to be the best method to power but its afraid the Type C could break over time.

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

Thanks for sharing. I haven't run into that problem. Some have said they needed to gently pull out on the tab which holds the sled in place, just a little, and that it fit more snugly and didn't have that issue.

@sjp52047 7 лет назад

Thanks Curtis. I'm seriously considering getting this MixPre-6 for my youtube videos. I have a Canon XA30 video camera, so I will be checking compatiblity, etc. Your evaluations on audio have been very helpful. Regards, Solomon

@sjp52047 7 лет назад

BTW, in this video, what do you have the MixPre-6 and camera mounted on?

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Life After Work thanks and good luck. The MixPre is just mounted on an old Manfrotto video head on my tripod.

@Justadityaraj 7 лет назад

Informative Review !

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks AR

@jonathanjennings4161 6 лет назад

Took delivery of the Mix pre 6 yesterday, and hoped to be taking it on a job today but won't risk it. First, the unit is really as good as all the reviews suggest. So far I've tried an NTG-2, a pair of Berhinger C-2s, and old Fender D3 drum mike (my old raido interviewing mike) and a pair of Rode filmmakers. All posed posed absolutely no problem level wise and the quality is breathtaking. The big challenge (so far) is that the unit is really, really power hungry; and running it from duracell AAs isn't going to be an option for very long (and I mean you're seeing battery levels halve 30 minutes in with 4 AAs running everything at full pelt); it just eats power. The AAs last very little time and the USB brick (or at least the one I've got, which does output at 2.1A) will only run it in restricted mode. When it does this, the unit only then records the L-R mix and not the individual channels. So for my use - run-and-gun. light documentary, the Sony battery sled will be an absolute must, pushing up the cost and the weight. And the power button is really hard to access when the USB C slot is in use ... But, wow, that sound ...

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Jonathan, congrats on the MixPre. Good call to get more experience before jumping in to a job with new gear. I agree on all fronts - I really see the AAs as bridge power and generally use the NP-F sled for all but the shortest recording clips. With its small form factor, the power switch is definitely hard to change with that USB-C port occupied but I suppose that's good as well - not likely to get bumped off. I also find the headphone/menu encoder/knob difficult to adjust when headphones are plugged in, especially when the MixPre is in a bag. All that said, I've been very happy with the MixPre in terms of audio quality and features. People just need to understand the ergonomic realities and assess whether that will work for the types of projects they do.

@SuperNova-Steve 2 года назад

Excellent review, such concise info. I’m buying one on a clear out price. It will do the trick perfectly for me 08/21

@curtisjudd 2 года назад

Thanks Steve and happy recording!

@SuperNova-Steve 2 года назад

@@curtisjudd As it turns out it was the M they had on sell out. Had to buy version bought version ii, ouch!

@curtisjudd 2 года назад

@@SuperNova-Steve It hurts now, but I have not regretted the purchase. Hopefully it will work well for you!

@funnymono 2 года назад

Great video. Thanks

@curtisjudd 2 года назад

Thanks Manoj.

@franklozano 3 года назад

Curtis, great video as always. I do have a question I have not been able to get the answer for. I have a MixPre6 and want to input 4 XLR inputs in ISO tracks, then an additional 3.5mm mic input also in an ISO track. I cannot figure it out. I've tried most things. None of my tracks are stereo linked currently. When I bring the file into Adobe Audition or FCPX, the tracks are merged and I cannot isolate the tracks. Help! Thank you.

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

You need to change to advanced mode in the system menu. 😀

@vyoufinder 3 года назад

Warranty help with Sound Devices is mixed. I bought three devices and had three problems. They took care of me good on the first two problems, but the third problem was a bad cable that came with one of the Mixpre-3ii's. It didn't work. I contacted support and they just told me to buy a new one because it was inconvenient for them to get one. So now I've got one substandard (?) cable that cost me an extra $25, and had to tell all the people I've recommended them to saying "they will take good care of you" that I was wrong but they still make the best devices.

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

Thanks for sharing your experience.

@MKFingerstyleAcademy 5 лет назад

Thanks again Curtis. My research continues to find the best on location recorder for acoustic instrument (classical guitar). I noticed with the Tascam d60 mk 2 you mentioned right at the beginning that it is not suitable for musicians, while in this one you say the opposite. You haven't made a similar comparison with the zoom f4 so I am not sure where that fits in. I want to know what makes a decide more suitable for music rather than 'field sound' or dialogue vocals? I am pairing my future recorder with Rode nt5 matched pairs and AKG p170 matched pairs as well. I will be doing some interviews so vocals matter as well but most of my work is on classical guitar and acoustic instruments. I am understanding the specs more now but my brain is telling me that both the sound devices and zoom f4 are capable of driving my condenser microphones, so what makes one more suitable than the other (I am not really asking which one is better as that's subjective. I am more asking for what spec, or feature I should be looking for). If you're wandering why not laptop and interface: I'll be flying around and want a portable solution to video, lighting, and audio gear. thanks again and happy new year!

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi Mustafa, The Tascam's fader is a digital stepping fader so you'll get a "stair stepping" effect if you change its setting while recording. Not a nice sound. The Sound Devices would be my recommendation for music recording because not only can you record dialogue and effects for film, but they also offer a software add-on that allows you to do overdub recording for music as well: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xdcKjASBAZ4.html Specifically, since you will be recording both for film and music, you want the non-M version of the MixPre and to purchase the Music plugin after. Good luck!

@MKFingerstyleAcademy 5 лет назад

@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis, The video link pretty much answered my question right away. I am not interested in overdubbing since I run my own audio studio and if clients want multi track overdub recording then I'll just do it at home. I want a 'live' take device that I can record audio with top quality preamps. My sound target is mostly solo classical guitar. The musicians I'll be working with usually won't need over dubbing. I am also a professional musician so working with a music score I can sketch out takes of different parts of the solo track and edit them in post. I'm more interested now in the mixpre 6 than the zoom f 4 but sadly the price is almost double in Canadian $ for the mixpre 6. Thanks for your videos, I've spent quiet a bit of time watching and then re-watching the different recorders and mics you use!

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Thanks Mustafa and best wishes!

@timbeaton5045 7 лет назад

Yet another excellent and authoritative review. May have to get one of these as an amateur videographer/ semi pro musician. One question... i see you have the new Focal Shape monitors.. what do you think of them? I just bought a pair of the Focal Alpha 80s for the music studio i'm currently setting up. Haven't used them in anger, but a quick setup shows that they will do the trick for me. But the Shapes look rather interesting!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Tim Beaton the Shapes are probably the best I've used thus far. The bass response is impressive yet controlled and the inverted dome tweeters articulate the higher frequencies very well. I need to do some room response testing but I'll likely buy them (on loan at the moment)

@miguel_chain 4 года назад

Can I just get the line out signal, put into my camera? The quality would be the same as if I would get the audio file from the recorder and use it in post production?

@curtisjudd 4 года назад

Yes. But the quality will probably not be the same depending on the camera.

@miguel_chain 4 года назад

@@curtisjudd thanks, Curtis!! The camera would be a Canon C200.

@curtisjudd 4 года назад

@@miguel_chain Ok, so the MixPre-6 has an unbalanced 3.5mm output and you can run that into the 3.5mm input on the C200. From what I can tell, the C200's 3.5mm input cannot be set to line level so you'll have to send tone to the camera and adjust the output fader. There most likely will be an audio quality hit with that approach. Another option is to use a DI box to convert the MixPre-6 output to balanced and then run that into one of the XLR inputs on the C200 at line level. with a good DI the audio quality should be better that way, in theory. But it is a potentially awkward setup with that extra DI box.

@miguel_chain 4 года назад

@@curtisjudd Man, thanks for taking time to explain that. It seems that it doesn´t worth . It might be easier get Video file from the camera, get the audio file from the recorder and sinc them on post... Thank you again! I´m watching a lot of your videos today. I own a Zoom H6 right now - for everything - podcasts etc... but when I used the phones (not the line out) the phone jack - I get an annoing noise. As far as I researched - there´s no solutiion for it, since it may happen due to unproper sealing for that module ( or something like that). I´m thinking about getting or the Zoom F4 or MixPre-3 mkII . Your videos are helping a lot! Thanks again

@curtisjudd 4 года назад

The ZOOM F4 has balanced outputs so that would be ideal for sending audio to the C200.

@Bryster51 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis! Im looking at obtaining one of these. The enviroment would be shotgun on channel 1, with channels 2-4 for direct plug in of radio scanners for Tower, Ground, and air to air aviation frequencies. Channels 2-4 being ISO tracks. After setting levels, will channels 2-4 be routed to headphone out on the Mixpre6 if monitoring channel 1? I wish not to hear them. Nor for them being recorded with the Mix. With Channel 1 set to stereo track. Keep up the great work! Brian

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Brian, you can set up a custom headphone preset that only monitors channel 1. If you are interested, I have a MixPre course available over at school.learnlightandsound.com where we cover some of the settings in more depth. Best wishes!

@FinancialGame 3 года назад

Do you have any recommendations for sound devices that allows you to skip the syncing audio process in post? Would like high quality audio recorded straight to a DSLR or cinema camera like the c200. SM7b is the mic that’s used. Thank you

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

Yes, you can run the audio from the output of the MixPre into one of the XLR inputs on the C200 set to line level with very good results. I do this for my livestreams and and very happy with the sound quality.

@FinancialGame 3 года назад

Curtis Judd you’re the best. Thanks again

@ArlynEmrys 6 лет назад

Love the new rings red/green

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

👍

@receptxful 6 лет назад

Ola Curtis, great review. I decided to buy mixpre-6 and also an audio bag. Do You have any recommendation which one? I'm looking at Orca OR-28 Mini, but since i'll have at least 2 lavs, shotgun, cables and batteries I'm not sure its big enough or it is?. So what do You use and recommend? Thanks.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi receptxful, I have an Orca OR-30 and OR-34. The MixPre-3 is big even in the OR-30. I have found that I do NOT like to carry everything in the audio bag all the time because it gets too heavy when booming and mixing with the shoulder strap or even the harness. So I would encourage you to consider getting a separate bag for mixing and carrying stuff. The MixPre-6 will certainly fit in the OR-28. I'll be doing a Sound for Video Session on audio bags later this week on my other channel (Curtis Judd Audio). Good luck and happy recording!

@alexmainwaring 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis, thanks for the in-depth review. I'm having a difficult time deciding between the MixPre-3 and MixPre-6. I mostly shoot wedding, corporate, and narrative. My main focus with the MixPre will be for weddings and corporate as I'll just hire a sound mixer / boom op for narrative projects. Would the combo XLR ports on the MixPre-6 make it easier to plug into a DJ Board? Do you think the MixPre-6 makes more sense for wedding videos? It's tough because I really dig the small size of the MixPre-3!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Alex, the MixPre-3 would work fine for recording from sound boards as long as you have a good selection of the right cables on hand. You'll want 2 sets of cables: 1) XLR-3M for the end that plugs into the MixPre and XLR-3F for the feed from the board. 2) XLR-3M for the end that plugs into the MixPre and 1/4" TRS for the feed from the board. That should cover most sound boards. I'm also assuming that 3 inputs will do the job which in my experience is usually enough for weddings and corporates. Best wishes!

@ScudoCamper 7 лет назад

Very nice bit of kit. :-)

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Scudo Camper indeed!

@rmp5s 7 лет назад

Yup. These are epic. Will have. Probably the Pre-3, though.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

I hope you like it. The 3 is tiny which is great.

@caseyli 7 лет назад

Amazing vid as always. Making my decision between Zoom Fs and MixPres even harder:) can't wait for the showdown video either. Quick question, do the MixPres or Zoom Fs generate 1Khz tone to calibrate levels on your camera?

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks Casey Li, yes, they both generate tone. We demonstrated that in depth on the MixPre over here when showing how to send audio from the MixPre to camera and use the tone to set the input level on the camera: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bsUeXtxsa50.html

@caseyli 7 лет назад

Curtis Judd awesome. Thanks!

@gkanai1400 7 лет назад

Great video review Curtis. One pro that I think you overlooked is that I don't think any other device at this price point can be a USB interface and record at the same time? (I could be wrong but I think that's the case?)

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Gen Kanai yes, true! Thanks!

@stevehydefilms 5 лет назад

Curtis, thanks for the superb tutorials. I enrolled in your series of courses on the Mix Pre 6 and this has been helpful resource for learning technique and craft. I am still working to clear a couple hurdles: a) When sending timecode from the C300MKII to the MixPre 6 via HDMI I am having a latency issue that sounds like a delay. b) When sending the mix from the Mix Pre 6 into the C300MKII via 8th" stereo mic jack, I'm getting bad hiss. If you have any suggestions, I'd appreciate the advice. Thank you.

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi Steve, camera HDMI signals generally involve some amount of latency so you may need to apply an offset to compensate. You’ll need to experiment to find that offset. You can use the free Wave Agent app from sound devices to apply the offset. As for the hiss, I’d check your cable first. Also, what do you have the output set to - mic/line, fader? And is the camera’s input switchable between mic and line and if so, do you have it set the same as the MixPre’s output?

@avarmadillo 5 лет назад

Curtis, I've been a fan of your reviews for years--they're some of the best on RU-vid. This review of the Mix-pre is an exception---it's too involved, too complicated, and assumes too much of the viewer in regard to background. I've searched RU-vid and there's not a single basic tutorial on the Mix-pre 3 on the entire web. There are a LOT of people giving "reviews" that is a huge waste of time. Would you consider a basic tutorial on this item? It's needed and I, for one, would really appreciate it.

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi William, I have a full course on the MixPre at school.learnlightandsound.com. Also, on the RU-vid channel associated with my online courses - Curtis Judd Audio - there are several tutorials. Just search for "Curtis Judd Audio MixPre". Best wishes.

@misha4422 3 года назад

I have a MixPre3 that primarily gets used for field recording material for SFX and sound design material. I found the touch screen a bit small for my fingers, but solve the issue happily by using a touch screen stylus, which stays in a pocket on my recorder bag. While I have used it with a USB-C battery, I tend to power it with the L-Mount batteries.

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

Thanks for that, Mike. Good idea on the stylus.

@filtrans8980 5 лет назад

Hi Curtis, really great that you reply to a lot of your viewers. Just wanted to ask, between the Mixpre 6 and Mixpre 6M, with the Mixpre 6M being $100 cheaper, would you recommend the Mixpre 6 over the 6M for youtube video production (as recommended by Sound Devices marketing)? I know the 6M is marketed towards musicians but I see no reason it can't be used as a recorder for youtubers, podcasters, streamers. Hope you can give your valuable insight on this. Thank you

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi Fil Trans, I would definitely recommend the MixPre 6, and not the 6M for RU-vid video production. The 6M’s UI is made ONLY for music tracking and overdubbing. You would have to create an entirely new project for each take. You can always add the music plugin to the 6 if you also record multitrack music. Good luck. Here’s a video where we cover the difference between the MixPre and MixPre M series: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xdcKjASBAZ4.html

@ScottHiddelston 3 года назад

One thing I can't find mentioned in this excellent review, or in the comments, is the poorly designed attachment for connecting a camera on top of this unit. It is a spring loaded screw which must be accessed from beneath the recorder. If you have this recorder mounted beneath your camera and wish to take the camera off ( say to change cameras or just use a microphone) you have to take the tripod plate off of the bottom to access that screw. Would it really have been too much for them to offer a mounting plate on the top like is available for the MixPre D ?

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

Looks like you have just called that out for those who attach their cameras atop the MixPre. Thank you! Every review comes from the perspective and workflow of the reviewer. So your perspective is very helpful. As you gathered, I don’t mount my camera on the recorder all that often so it wasn’t a pain point for me. Thanks again!

@SergeLetunovskiy 5 лет назад

Curtis thank you for your review. I bought this unit and have tried using it. I've put in a fresh set of 4 alkaline batteries, and was amazed when the unit has drained my batteries within about 10 minutes. I plugged it to my computer and carried on with my recording to finish what I was recording. A few days later, I pulled out the "dead" batteries, grabbed a fresh pack of 4 - same story unit shut down due to low juice within 10 minutes. Would you have any idea why? First time I was using Sennheiser AVX Digital Wireless Microphone System - ME2 Lavalier Set. The second time I used Audio-Technica AT4053B Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone. I am at a loss as to why it chews through brand new batteries in less than 10 minutes flat!

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi Serge, Sound Devices actually advises against using AA alkaline batteries and instead recommends NiMH or Lithium AA batteries. I don't fully understand the differences but I understand that the different battery chemistries behave differently. In any case, you'll probably want to go with NiMH rechargeables or Lithium AAs. Best wishes!

@SergeLetunovskiy 5 лет назад

Thank you sir. Will switch. As long as they last for 2 hours and 20 minutes like you mentioned. I guess I assumed it would last this long on plain alkaline batteries... :)

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

I did too, Paul Isaacs from Sound Devices explained this to me just a few weeks ago. I missed it in the manual.

@SergeLetunovskiy 5 лет назад

I love your reviews man! You are amazing! Thank you. I've watched so many of you vids... :)

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

thanks @chrismas

@kipling1957 7 лет назад

For me at least, 2 additional cons are the quirky Li-Ion battery caddy, where the batteries jut out at 90 degrees on either side of the recorder, and the limited gain staging options for ISOs (discussed in depth elsewhere). Just my 5c.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+kipling1957 thanks for the input!

@stevek7319 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis, you're reviews and discussions about audio are amazing! I was about to purchase a mixpre-3 and then realized: if I have it mounted between a tripod and my camera (GH5) and I have to change the GH5 battery, do I have to then remove the tripod plate and then unscrew the mixpre from the camera to get to the battery door?

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Steve, thanks! You are correct. I don't usually attach my audio recorder to my camera but if you do, then you'll either need an external battery solution for your camera or remove it from the rig to change the battery. Or you can use a camera cage to rig the MixPre above the camera. Best wishes!

@madsmix 5 лет назад

Hi Curtis, Love your videos. It helped me make up my mind buying the MixPre6. FWIW, I managed to use a wireless keyboard to enter metadata. I have large hands and found it very difficult to use the rotary encoder, especially when the recorder is in my Orca OR28 and the headphone connected. Just my 2 cents. Cheers.

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Thanks madsmix, good work on the keyboard setup and best wishes on your recordings!

@madsmix 5 лет назад

Thanks. Although the MixPre has stellar recording quality, I totally get why the 633 is your favourite. Damn these big hands!😄

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Haha! These hands have cost me a pretty penny more than once. 😉

@Burrenyoga 5 лет назад

Possible to connect multiple 3.5 mm mics? Is there some adaptor you would recommend that will enable a 3.5 mm mono (plug in power) mic to be connected, and also a 3.5 stereo (plug in power) to be connected to the PreMix 6 at the same time? Ideally connected into the XLR inputs so I could connect a number of them. Ideally an adaptor that does not increase the noise floor? Can the stereo 3.5 mm mic somehow be split into 2 separate channels? Mics will be used to record audio speech, with many silences so don’t want hiss during the silences. Someone mentioned a Rode VXLR+ but it appears to increase noise floor considerably? Your reviews are excellent and have led me to the PreMix6... Thanks!

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi Dave, I just received the RODE VXLR+ last week and haven’t had a chance to try it yet so I’m not sure how much noise it adds. You can use a splitter to feed two lava into the Aux input. They will then share the plugin power and cannot be adjusted in terms of gain independently. But should technically be possible.

@FinancialInformation 7 лет назад

Thanks for the in-depth review. Do you have an in-depth review about the zoom H5?

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Thanks. Unfortunately no, I've only used it once. But is is very much like the H6 with a different screen and fewer inputs, but very similar sound quality.

@TreyAlexander 4 года назад

Hello, you have been super helpful and just want to thank you!! Watching your videos has helped me a ton and I am starting to build my channel and it’s finally starting to grow and just want to thank you for the inspiration! I also have another question, I am trying to record the audio and the guitar into the camera. I have a mix pre 6 and I run both mics into that and stereo out into the Canon 80 D now my question is I usually take it into LumaFusion or final cut and edit it. When I do this it is far superior but is there a piece of gear or software that will allow me to some how filter the lapel mic out when I play my guitar. Or vise versus. That way there is the guitar and or the vocal isolated. Usually I just cut those parts out in post but I am trying to do multiple videos a day and it is super time consuming to edit all of it out. There has to be a way to do this. It’s killing me. Lol Thank you so much for your time!

@curtisjudd 4 года назад

You might check to see if the MixAssist plugin will work for you: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oTLfgQ3qSek.html

@RestlesSo0 5 лет назад

Just looked around there site and Problem at 22:40 was solved in Firmware update 2.2, . It's awesome to see what they have already integrated. Im definitely getting one of these :)

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

👍

@markicarebic 7 лет назад

Thanks for a really useful review. I already ordered Mixpre6....but have to wait for a week or two to arrive. Currently I'm using two field mixers (SQN-4S and SQN2 + Tascam DR-100 mk2) for audio recording. I have two questions: 1) can you compare SD preamps to SQN preamps? Will I be disappointed with SD? (comparing to SQN) 2) did you try Mixpre6 with 600 ohms headphones? Is headphone amplifier strong enough to drive them loud and clear? Thanks Željko

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Hi Zeljko, Thanks and I hope you enjoy your MixPre. I don't have an SQN available to compare. I've used many different recorders and I am very happy with the quality of the MixPre's Kashmir preamps. I used a variety of Sony and Beyerdynamic headphones with the MixPre ranging from 70 to 250 ohms. Even with the 250 ohm headphones, I only had to drive the gain to about 55 out of 100. I am hopeful that you won't have problems with 600 ohm headphones. Best wishes!

@bkarosi 4 года назад

I find it very difficult to find a right level on the four channels. I either have them set too low or too high. Ruined a lot of sessions trying to guess the right level... never had that problem with the ZoomH5. When it is set too high, an equalizer kicks in to counteract the high levels that makes the recording unusable. Any advice on how to set the levels? I record on four channels so they add up.

@curtisjudd 4 года назад

Hi Balint, I usually set the levels so that the peaks hit around -18dB on the meters. Then in post, I have freedom to compress the peaks and set the loudness where I want it. If set this way, the limiter - what you refer to as an equalizer - only kicks in slightly and helps prevent very occasional clipping events.

@bkarosi 4 года назад

@@curtisjudd Thank you for your response. I watched one of the MixPre reviews in which you stated that it is almost "not important" to set the levels on this because it is not going to clip if an amateur recording engineer accidentally sets the level too high... but instead of clipping there is a limiter, which is very annoying and makes organ recordings unusable. I am thinking of going back to my good old Zoom H5, because I a making too many mistakes and setting errors on this device.:-(

@curtisjudd 4 года назад

Ok. I think a little bit of study should solve the problem for you.

@dxmat 7 лет назад

Excellent review. The gain variation procedure is still a little complicated and not immediate (even in custom mode).

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Yes, that there is no meter in the menu where you set the gain is a little troublesome but ok otherwise.

@bonsaipiper3773 6 лет назад

Thank you!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

You’re welcome Clint.

@albertjosiah 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis, Fantastic video on the mix pre 6. Is there any way you can review the mix pre 10? I would like to know if it specifically overcomes the mix pre 6 limitations for pro Sound recordists.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Just got it earlier this week and did an overview of the 10T here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r0fPGr_SDxs.html

@LumberjackLogic 5 лет назад

I just bought the pre-3. It looks like it will be a bigger learning curve than the Tascam DR60.

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

I have a MixPre course over at school.learnlightandsound.com if you're interested.

@joshuavantassel 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis! Thanks for the great video! Question that I can't seem to find the answer too in the manual - if you record in basic mode with four channels for example, does it only record as a stereo file rather then a poly wave of those four channels? Or do you need to record in advanced fr that to come in to play? Thanks!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Joshua, No, basic mode will only record a stereo mix. To get a poly wav file with the four isolated channels you'll want to go to advanced. mode. If you are interested, I have a MixPre course over at school.learnlightandsound.com. Best wishes!

@danaross 7 лет назад

thank you. great and useful review as usual. the visual quality seemed very flat to me. Am I crazy?

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+dana ross thanks Dana. I suppose it is flat.

@m.j.5401 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis, great review :-) do you have any experience if the MixPre-3/6 timecode and start/stop function works with canon 70d over the hdmi output? In the sound devices list of supported cameras only the canon c100 is listed as inhouse-tested.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks MJ. Unfortunately I don't have a 70D on hand to test that. You might submit a support email to Sound Devices to see if they can test that for you. Best wishes!

@FloEvans 7 лет назад

Mixpre 3 is on the way! I am just wondering if I should have got the 6... the main thing that bugs me is the 3 can't record the aux in +3 mic channels. It seems you have to assign it to 1 or 2 of the main channels. The XLRs aren't combo TRS either!

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

Congrats, I hope it works well for you! The lack of TRS inputs just means you may need different cables when taking line level audio from a mixing board. And three channels is often enough. Note that the bonus is that the 3 is tiny, tiny, tiny!

@FloEvans 7 лет назад

Got it yesterday it rocks! Thanks your channel has been really helpful!

@sukhoi01 3 года назад

Curtis, this is great. I appreciate all the details you put into your reviews and has greatly help me improve my audio. I had one question - does this device support adding plugins ?

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

Hi Sandeep, thank you! Short answer: Yes, but only plugins from Sound Devices. Also, this is an older review for the first generation MixPre recorders. Here is a review of the newer II series and a link to the MixAssist plugin review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8lRVnMO14k8.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oTLfgQ3qSek.html

@sukhoi01 3 года назад

@@curtisjudd Thank you for your response. I like the short answer. Let me put my question in a different way-- I have couple of mics and my main requirement is to connect them to my computer via some interface and use it on Zoom, Teams and Skype calls. I also want to add couple of plugins via OBS so that my voice sounds a little better and clearer. Right now I use SSL2 with macbook 13 and the issue with this setup is that macbook fans run very loud just to handle the plugins. I was looking at some device which could handle couple of simple plugins or have their inbuilt EQ where i can i achieve the same same result without using my computer-- any suggestions will be of great help.

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

@@sukhoi01 Maybe a processor like the dbx286S will do the job for you. It has a compressor, de-esser, enhancer (both low and high frequency - sort of an EQ), and a noise gate. You would then feed that live level into your SSL2. That would at least offload the audio processing from the MacBook.

@sukhoi01 3 года назад

@@curtisjudd Thankyou

@sukhoi01 3 года назад

@@curtisjudd wanted to update you on what I did for my issue. I could not get dbx fast enough so I researched a way of processing obs plugins in another computer ( which I had handy). Then I am bringing in the audio via network to my macbook13 as an audio stream in Obs, which I am using un processed in my skype and teams calls. Thanks once again.

@2ChukBuk 5 лет назад

Hi Curtis. I am going to purchase the L mount sled for my Mixpre6 but I am a tad confused about the charge base for the 2 batteries offered on Amazon. It does come with the USB cable but what do I need for the wall plug that the USB cable interfaces with? Thank you in advance.

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi teddy G, you'd need to plug the USB-A into a USB to AC adapter like those for most mobile phones. You can also plug them into most computer USB ports or outlets with USB ports. It'll generally charge faster with larger phone AC adapters or wall outlets with USB ports.

@aaronsoundguy6915 6 лет назад

Hey Curtis. Great video. Do you know if you can route the stereo output and the headphone out independently of each other? Example, I want to use the stereo out as a playback out of my computer and also continue to monitor my two track mix via phones out. Also did you do any tests with going usb3 to usb C?

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Aaron, yes, you can monitor with the headphones and main out at the same time with separate routing setups for each. I used the USB C out for audio interface work. I have heard that the USB A port can work but only in class compliant mode (2 in 2 out) but I haven’t tested that.

@MarceloBuainain 6 лет назад

Curtis thanks for this great review! Thanks for clarifying the unbalanced issue. I owner a Sound Device 302 and comparing this mixer with the new Kashimir which one has better quality. What is your view about it?

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Marcelo, I have not used the 302 in particular, but the Kashmir sounds very similar to the SD 633: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Hnvq-6M1adE.html My guess is that the 302 and MixPre-3/6 will sound very similar. The self-noise performance might be better on the MixPre, but I'm not certain of that.

@MarceloBuainain 6 лет назад

Thanks Curtis for your replay. I just got the Mixpre and I haven’t try it yet. All my best

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Good luck, I hope you like it!

@pjsagnia 5 лет назад

Good morning Curtis, your videos are very informative...thank you kindly. Due to your review, I have purchased the Mix pre 3 over the zoom f4. (its currently in the mail) I've never used timecode before, but I just wanted to know regarding timecode via hdmi. I use an atomos inferno, so my hdmi out from my Sony A7sii goes to my Atomos recorder. Can I use the HDMI out from the Atomos to the hdmi in on the Mix pre to get Timecode?

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi Peter, I'm have heard that this does not work because the ATOMOS recorders don't pass through the control codes. But this may have changed with more recent ATOMOS firmware updates. You'll probably want to contact ATOMOS and Sound Devices to find out the latest on this question. Good luck!

@pjsagnia 5 лет назад

@@curtisjudd Thanks kindly for the reply

@randallburgess6393 5 лет назад

Thanks that was great info I’m just starting out as a location sound recordist for a Video production company as a contact hire I will be working as well on full feature size films So if I choose the mix pre 6 or 10 over the 633 what pro features or limitations will I face Sound quality or Time code etc There is a huge price difference so I want to be smart

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

Hi Randall, lots of differences. Here are just a few: - Full size XLR outputs - Larger screen - Slightly different sound (I wouldn't say that the sound quality on the 633 is far superior, but it definitely sounds a bit different, warmer) - AES digital in and outputs (this has been more useful than I ever imagined for sending audio directly to camera so that the camera's A/D converters are entirely bypassed resulting in better audio quality to camera) - Much better faders - Automixing including Dugan AutoMix. Invaluable for interviews, panel discussions, etc. - Dual cards (SD and CF) - In-built NP-F battery trays (dual) - Light but incredibly tough case with more extensive RF shielding - Integration with slot-in wireless receivers and mixing control surface Long-term investment in a 633 for a full-time location sound mixer is a much better investment for a primary mixer/recorder. MixPre is great as a backup recorder. I just used the 10T for a corporate "narrative" piece last week with good results because I needed more inputs than the 633 offers. But I sure missed the 633.

@570films 6 лет назад

Outstanding video. Now here is my question. In your professional opinion, which is the best choice for field recorder? 1. Zoom F4 2. Sound Devices 633 3. SD 4 It’s not the $$$, just don’t want to regret the purchase in a year or two. So of these three, which one gets the nod. Thank you James

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi James, thanks for the question. The answer depends heavily on the intended types of jobs you'll do with the recorders. I have all three (actually, I upgraded my MixPre-6 to the newer MixPre-10T) and if I could only keep one, I'd keep the 633. But the reason I'd keep it is not that it is the most expensive or has the best sound (though both of those are true). It has to do with some of the other features such as AES digital output, size and weight, and ergonomics. How will you be using your recorder, what types of jobs? Max number and type of inputs you need? Paid or passion jobs?

@remnantdream 6 лет назад

+Curtis Judd - What would be some reasons someone chooses the MixPre 3 or MixPre 6? I am a videographer who currently owns an F4 however the interface is a bit too much for me to deal with, especially when it comes to mixing on the fly (I am still learning audio). Aside from that I hardly ever output to camera or output to any device on the F4. I have a boom and two wireless lavs with the intent of getting an indoor dialogue mic. I like the simplicity of the MixPre and want to get the best one for me.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Zanin, in addition to the "Pros" listed in the summary at the start, I think the main reasons are that they are both very, very small, their preamps sound great, and they have several features which make it easier to record such as limiters and very nice gain/level knobs. Also, you can switch the MixPre in to "Basic" mode which makes them even easier to use to just record however many microphones into a stereo track. Good luck!

@remnantdream 6 лет назад

Curtis Judd Thank you! I got the MixPre3 and was the best decision I made in terms of audio. This thing is TINY. I was confused at first and thought someone gave me a toy. Much more easier to use. However I might return it to get the MixPre6 for the additional inputs and features.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Congrats and I hope it works out well for you!

@randallburgess6393 5 лет назад

Thanks for the update info. What is this automix you mentioned. Sorry I have never heard of it

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

AutoMix automatically mixes a multi-microphone interview, podcast, or panel discussion recording. This is a feature available on the Sound Devices 6xx series mixer/recorders and on the Zoom F8 and F8n.

@2ChukBuk 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis, love your reviews. I am an amateur concert recorder who would like to possibly ease into a part time professional gig doing field recordings. In your opinion, would you consider this a good choice as opposed to the more expensive SD633? Would prefer to spend the money on good mics. What do you think?

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi teddy G, I think it is but it depends on how much of an audiophile you and your potential clients are. Will this be for large professional orchestras? Sometimes the producer/directo will require higher grade gear, but not always. but for smaller, semi-pro and volunteer orchestras, I think the MixPre-6 is definitely up to the job.

@drewarmstrong4325 6 лет назад

Judd, I used my Mix Pre 6 last night and about 20 minutes into the program I was recording I got a media error. I had a card that the recorder seemed to think was too slow. It was a Lexar Professional U3 XC II card. 128 Gigs, newly reformatted... I was recording four channels. When this happened I muted two of the four... but when I got home I found I had only gotten the first 14 minutes and even though the device showed I was still recording... after I received the error, plainly I was not. Any suggestions or insight would be great and appreciated.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Drew, probably best to check with Sound Devices support. I'm not sure the MixPre is set up to work with U3 XC II cards but they can confirm. Sorry to hear about the issues. :(

@stevek7319 7 лет назад

Fantastic review. Thank you. One question : how do you set gain without meters?

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Steve K unfortunately switch back and forth between the input menu gain setting screen and the main meter screen. Hoping they add a meter to the gain setting menu.

@stevek7319 7 лет назад

Thanks Curtis. This might make me wait to see if they do before considering buying.

@neilharvey3902 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis, Great review. Only thing I'm unclear of is how you're attaching the MixPre to the tripod and GH5. I'm looking at getting this exact setup (except with a MixPre and GH5s when it comes out), do you think I should be able to operate both of these on the Zhiyun Crane 2 gimbal? Would be a great combination in terms of quality I think if I could get it working.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Neil, I don't typically connect the two of them together, but if I need to, the MixPre has a 1/4-20 screw on the top of the recorder that connects to the GH5. There is a screw on the bottom of the MixPre that you use to tighten the 1/4-20 screw. I don't think that the Crane 2 will support the weight of both but you could attach the MixPre to the bottom of the Crane's handle but that will be an incredible workout for your arms. Also, where would you put the microphone? (or would you be using wireless)? Definitely good that you're thinking this trough before diving in! Good luck!

@neilharvey3902 6 лет назад

Thanks for the helpful information curtis

@Bryster51 6 лет назад

Hi Curtis During recording several inputs, can one disarm recording channel 1 which is the mix, 2-4 being only iso's which are constantly recording. Then rearm channel 1 as needed? Thanks!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Yes, correct, that can be done on the MixPre.

@damian2.011 6 лет назад

great videos Curtis!! Question: if you want some mic processing like compressor and expander/gate from something like a dbx 286s, does it make sense to feed the output of a dbx-286s into the MixPre-6? I think the output of the dbx-286s is line level (1/4 TRS output) so would have to use TRS to XLR cable into the MixPre, but im assuming the MixPre is expecting mic level in? (unless you can change that in a setting?) Any suggestions on a setup like this? Thanks!!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Damien, the MixPre inputs can be changed to line level input in the menu. On the MixPre3 the inputs are only XLR but on the 6 and 10, you can use XLR or 1/4" TRS balanced cables so you have options.

@damian2.011 6 лет назад

Excellent, thanks for the reply. So if I understand you correctly, I could get a MixPre3, use TRS (out from dbx286s)to XLR (in to MixPre3) and in the MixPre3 settings, set the inputs to line level, and then would have a proper chaining of equipment, correct? I may spring for the mixPre6, however I am looking for something small to take roaming with the DSLR camera as well and the mixPre3 is perfect for that because of its compact size.

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

That’s correct! Happy recording!

@damian2.011 6 лет назад

After learning a bit more I decided to go with the MixPre6 to have more robust mixing options, thanks again for the info and great videos!!

@tvend2 6 лет назад

Thanks for the through review Curtis! 2 questions If used as a audio interface can you output to powered monitors by way of TRS (it looks like it has 1/4 output, and can you hook up a guitar into the mixer 6 by way of 1/4 guitar cable? Thanks!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Tony, the MixPre-3 and 6 have a 3.5mm unbalanced output. You can feed that to powered monitors but have to use adapters and I would also recommend a stereo DI box to ensure you don't get any interference (I picked up a fair bit of hum when just using unbalanced 3.5mm to TS adapter cable.) As for guitar input, yes: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AsZc0-fk0LE.html Good luck!

@tvend2 6 лет назад

Thanks appreciate the info!

@ilovefreeski 2 года назад

Great video! How on earth did you manage to fit 4 eneloop pros in the battery sled? I have a mixpre-6 ii and any battery with a high enough capacity will not fit flush in the battery sled and will stick out of the recorder in a funny way.

@curtisjudd 2 года назад

They seemed to fit fine. Have they perhaps changed the battery sled since I reviewed this several years ago?

@soundscapesuk8094 7 лет назад

I think it might be the case that when the limiters are engaged continually you get a better result than intermittent highs. It just brings the gain down so the audio is unharmed by being limited and unlike with periodic peaks you don't get the pumping of the background sounds rising and falling and the just about detectable spike in volume before the limiter catches it. I was recording some bird song and distant high explosive artillery firing the other day, as you do, when a tank drove past and blasted it's engine as it changed down a gear. Because the sound built up gradually and was a constant high level there was no pumping, and as far as i can tell it was not distorted by being limited, the mixpre just smoothly brought the gain level down to a manageable level and kept it there until it had passed. Have a listen soundcloud.com/oundscapes/a-soundscape-from-an-active-day-on-salisbury-plain-uk There's an Apache helicopter manoeuvring around towards the end as well.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

+Soundscapes UK interesting. As long as the sound source is constant or nearly so. Hadn't thought of it in those terms. Thanks!

@soundscapesuk8094 7 лет назад

It seems it doesn't need to be very constant, as long as its fairly smooth changes (ie not going quickly from loud to quiet and loud again which would give the pumping effect) it seems to just keep adjusting the level up and down to keep things in check with no apparent harm. If you listen to that clip with the tank its already limiting and then it revs up much louder but i guess it just brought the level down a bit more and it handled it. It would be interesting if Paul Isaacs would give a really in depth explanation of how the limiters operate. I guess the main negative effect of relying on the limiters as "automatic gain control" could be that the apparent volume of the recording could end up flat, but then that could be adjusted in post, to make the loud things louder than the quiet things. For the recording i linked there i didn't do that though and somehow even though it was limited already, when the tank revs up it's apparent that it's got louder. So maybe the limiter brings it to a level where there is still spare headroom for the sound to increase rather than bringing it to a level just below the clipping point and it has to keep adjusting the limiting amount. Either way these limiters work in a very clever and subtle way that make using the mixpre almost idiot proof. Clearly some genius level thinking has gone into making this thing.

@ebenezer357 3 года назад

What is a he advantage of using the advanced mode? If I’m just going to use the device as a recorder for my RU-vid videos with the mkh 416, do I need to activate advanced mode and then fix the rain separately from the fader knob?

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

For your use case, basic mode is probably the right choice. The advantage with advanced mode is that when you are recording more than one microphone, it records each microphone to its own isolated channel plus it records a mix of all the microphones. This is useful for film production.

@ebenezer357 3 года назад

@@curtisjudd great!!! This helps a lot. Oh, I wanted to buy the ntg3, following your advice because I low the punchy low frequency of that mic on my voice, but it’s back ordered, so I had to buy the mkh 416, which sounds amazing In high freqs, but it’s missing the punch of the ntg3. How can I make it sound punchy in the low frequencies like the ntg3? I use Adobe audition btw

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

@@ebenezer357 Use EQ. Here's how: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Jn6iB1SNvRQ.html

@ebenezer357 3 года назад

@@curtisjudd you are the best brother. Thanks a lot. God bless!

@paulvogel3479 6 лет назад

Hey, Curtis! Thanks for all the hard work. Your videos are super helpful! Maybe it has been asked before - but is it possible to use the stereo out for a Comtek? I wonder if you use a stereo splitter if you could have one channel just sending the boom and the rest the mix or something like that? Also if you need to utilize 5 mics and a timecode generator, how does that work exactly?

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Paul, Yes, you could use a splitter to send different signals to two different comteks. Unfortunately, there aren't quite enough inputs to support 5 mics plus timecode simultaneously. Would need to look at the MixPre-10T for that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LgRdT8gsfIs.html

@paulvogel3479 6 лет назад

Thanks for the swift response! So, just to clarify - channels 5/6 are actually just... one usable channel? I could tap a lav in there and get 5 ISOs but not use the sixth? In what situation could I access that 6th channel?

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

5/6 is a stereo 3.5mm input. Usually that'd be for a consumer grade wireless system, a wired lavalier, a camera-top shotgun microphone, or other such mics. And that same port is used if you have a timecode generator writing timecode to the recorded files. I'd prefer to think of the MixPre-6 as a 4 XLR/TRS input recorder/mixer, with an auxiliary 3.5mm input.

@paulvogel3479 6 лет назад

Makes sense, thanks a ton for taking the time to reply! Love your videos!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

When you use a stereo mic such as the RODE Stereo VideoMic Pro or VideoMic X.

@ianzhao5693 5 лет назад

Hi Curtis, can or should I use a 3.5mm to dual xlr male adapter cable to use the mixpre 6 and 3 as a mixer for a ursa mini or c200’s xlr line input?

@curtisjudd 5 лет назад

I haven’t tried, but it should work. It may be best to use a DI box to convert the unbalanced output to balanced for the camera.

@xaanvr5784 7 лет назад

Wow so could I basically record all my audio with this? This thing is amazing.

@curtisjudd 7 лет назад

It'd work in most situations for sure!

@eroticurban6618 3 года назад

Binging on your VIDEOS. You mention here that the things that this is best for and I didn't hear you mention short films. I am on the verge of creating a series of short films. I wanna grab a crew but I want to get as much equipment up front. Is there something better than this for the best sound on short films? I hate short films where there sound is mediocre or there are air spaces during the change in actors.

@curtisjudd 3 года назад

That depends on your budget. The MixPre series are great and this is an old review of the first generation. You'll probably want to have a look at the II series: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8lRVnMO14k8.html If I were working on short films and had a budget of $1000 or under for the audio recorder, I'd choose the MixPre-6 II.

@robojim4000 6 лет назад

Hey Curtis! I've been trying to cut down on self-noise/hiss in my setup (I have a Zoom H5/Tascam DR-70d and an NTG3/rode filmmaker kit). I always have just a tiny more hiss in the quiet parts than I'd like (despite good practices of close micing etc). Having tried out all this top gear, would e.g. A zoom F4 or Sound Devices dramatically cut down the noise? or maybe a quieter lav setup? ...Until then, I'll try and cut down a bit in post!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Hi Jim, Is the hiss from noise in the spaces where you're recording (e.g., light or computer fans, AC/heating)? If not, then yes, an F4 and Sound Devices recorder may help. But often, the issue is actual noise in the room which an F4 or SD will also still pick up. In that case, mic placement and mics with better off-axis rejection in addition to seeing which fans in the room you can eliminate is the most direct route.

@robojim4000 6 лет назад

Curtis Judd hey thanks for the reply. Yup it's definitely self-noise, hissing, tested in multiple rooms as I was doing a dr-70d vs H5 today. I'll think about having a look at the F4. PS, thank you for always replying and making a huge bunch of such helpful videos. I've got so many tips along the way!

@curtisjudd 6 лет назад

Thanks Jim, I really appreciate the feedback!